Buying an Apple iMac for the first time...

[Paul S4]

I am new to this forum, so please bear with me!

I have used PCs for years, but I need a 'new' computer as my current one is starting to become unreliable.
I have always used Microsoft OS & software, but I am tiring of it for the usual reasons !

I am not a great fan of Microsoft, ie having to buy anti virus software to be able to access the net etc., or even using the various free versions of AVG, Avast etc
I am considering buying a 'refurbished' 17" intel iMac for about £500 from a firm in High Wycombe, but I would welcome any advice.

I know that Apple macs are very well built, but is it wise to buy a second-hand machine?

Also, if I need to get any repairs done in the future, are they easy to get sorted out, especially in the North East of England !

Any advice welcome !

[markda]

I've never had any problems with mine (touch wood!). But I would imagine they are fairly costly to repair, they look like a b*tch to open up. My only complaint with them is the wireless card is intermittent, seems to loose my access point when coming out of 'sleep' which turns into a ritual of disabling and re-enabling or sometimes even rebooting the access point altogether.

I thought it was probably a driver issue that would be resolved, but it never has! Tried Linksys and Netgear access points, the Netgear seems marginally more compatible. I still think it's a great home machine and the kids love it!

[plg101]

markda said:

I've never had any problems with mine (touch wood!). But I would imagine they are fairly costly to repair, they look like a b*tch to open up. My only complaint with them is the wireless card is intermittent, seems to loose my access point when coming out of 'sleep' which turns into a ritual of disabling and re-enabling or sometimes even rebooting the access point altogether.

I thought it was probably a driver issue that would be resolved, but it never has! Tried Linksys and Netgear access points, the Netgear seems marginally more compatible. I still think it's a great home machine and the kids love it!

I converted across a few years ago, ran dual boot for a while whilst I found replacement apps and when I realised I hadn't booted to Windows for 11 months, I killed it off... never looked back.

On the big mentioned above; interesting - I just started getting this when I upgraded my router to a new Netgear model - worked fine on the old one - but it has the same behavior with my Lenovo work laptop, so I'm guessing its a router issue.

Other advice - generally they are well made; fair number of independent Apple stores about and a very healthy community of support for when things go awry. The great thing about Macs is that as there are so few hardware variants, it is much easier to diagnose a hardware issue - as so much was standardised - unlike the world of PCs.

Edited by plg101 on Wednesday 17th March 10:43

[Paul S4]

Many thanks for the advice.

I do not use wireless connections, as the computer is always 'hard wired'into the landline, so the issues mentioned would not really be of concern.

I do not run a lot of applications,; just need email, access to eBay & BBC iplayer( to catch up on TV! )and do a few letters etc, so my requirements are somewhat minimal !

I shall still keep my old PC running anyway, so I will have that as a 'backup'.

[E31Shrew]

We swapped over about 12 months ago and have never looked back. Might be worth trying to get hold of a new model to at least get a modicum of support and warranty

[PJR]

I'd rather buy a new Mac Mini for that money, than a secondhand 17" iMac. I think that would be a G5? Which is getting on a bit now. Plus the older CPU hardware isn't supported so well these days. Mac Mini's (as with all modern Macs) use Intel innards now, which will be much speedier and be much more future proofed on the OS and software front.
You'd need a display, keyboard and mouse of course, but your existing PC ones should suffice

[Paul 2000]

Paul S4 said:

Many thanks for the advice.

... access to eBay & BBC iplayer( to catch up on TV! )....

Is the iMac a PowerPC or Intel. If it's a PPC you will only be able to watch BBC iPlayer on catch-up because ITV, Channel 4 & Five all use Microsoft's Silverlight for access to their channels and Silverlight is now only available as an Intel compatible version for the Mac.

[jmorgan]

When my cuurent one dies I will have to buy one or tother but as it will run Windows I will still need virus software to the PC portion, IF I install windows. So don't rule out the anti virus, depending on what you do. Just use my Mac for surfing and mail with a bit of MS Ofifce (Mac 2003 version and it is sweet compared to the PC version..... for my level of use). There is Open Office and Gimp that are free.

But, the reason for my reply, my 2004 eMac (still going strong) is running on old kit and it is harder to get new software should I want it. Most is now on the new chips. So if I am going to upgrade at some point it will be for the highest spec I can afford. Reason being the two I have had to date have lasted for so long and I want to future proof myself. The refurb options on the Apple web site look good to my untrained eye.
http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals...


All my personal choice so just thinking aloud.

And I have wireless and it does not miss a beat.

[plg101]

Providing it is an Intel iMac, go for it....

[jeevescat]

The OP says it is an intel iMac.

[Paul S4]

Thanks again for all your posts.

The one I am considering is an Intel iMac, and it will come with a 3 month warranty.

The next question I suppose is ...does anyone know of a good Apple 'independent' specialist in the Newcastle/Durham/Teeside area, just in case I need any servicing etc later.

I am aware of a good one near Edinburgh, but that is a bit too far to go !

[plg101]

New Apple Store at Eldon Sq, Newcastle? Apple aren't always expensive for repairs - and they are good for troubleshooting / advice.

Or:
http://www.opalcs.co.uk/